Question

Cole and Toni have found themselves at the beginning stages of a social movement to support girls' literacy who face extreme poverty and lack of education. Toni and Cole find that they are becoming close with others through common bonds and enjoy informally meeting with others in the group. Toni is so confident in the group that she begins to take on a leadership role and wants to start formal meetings and demonstrations. Which mechanism is best described by this example?A. Agitation

B. Sense of collective belonging development
C. Morale development
D. Ideology development

Answer 1

Cole and Toni's increasing commitment and the shift toward formal organization within their social group for girls' literacy represents the sense of collective belonging development in the coalescence stage of a social movement, which is supported by the development of solidarity benefits.

Step-by-step explanation:

Cole and Toni's experiences are indicative of a sense of collective belonging development. As the group moves from informal meetings towards a more organized effort with Toni taking on a leadership role for formal meetings and demonstrations, this reflects the coalescence stage of a social movement as described by sociologists like Blumer and Tilly. During this stage, the movement transitions from a loose gathering into a more structured entity with increased organization and heightened awareness activities.

Solidary benefits are also evident here as Cole and Toni are developing strong ties with other members. This is crucial, particularly in high-risk activism, which relies on such strong-tie connections to maintain engagement and participation in the movement. As Toni and Cole enjoy the sense of belonging and the informal aspects of their grouping, they become more entrenched and willing to lead and formalize their efforts.